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BMC Cancer
Published in: BMC Cancer 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Study protocol

The Brainfit study: efficacy of cognitive training and exergaming in pediatric cancer survivors – a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Valentin Benzing, Noëmi Eggenberger, Janine Spitzhüttl, Valerie Siegwart, Manuela Pastore-Wapp, Claus Kiefer, Nedelina Slavova, Michael Grotzer, Theda Heinks, Mirko Schmidt, Achim Conzelmann, Maja Steinlin, Regula Everts, Kurt Leibundgut

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Cancer survival comes at a price: pediatric cancer survivors bear a high risk for a wide range of cognitive difficulties. Therefore, interventions targeting these difficulties are required. The aim of the present clinical trial is to extend empirical evidence about efficacy of cognitive and physical training in pediatric cancer survivors. It is hypothesized that early cognitive and physical interventions affect the remediation of pediatric cancer survivors in terms of improved executive functions (primary outcome). Additional positive effects of cognitive and physical intervention to other areas such as memory and attention are expected (secondary outcome). Changes in cognitive performance are expected to be associated with structural and functional changes in the brain.

Methods

Overall, 150 pediatric cancer survivors and 50 matched controls will be included in this trial. The cancer survivors will be randomly assigned to either a computerized cognitive training, a physical training (exergaming) or a waiting control group. They will be assessed with neuropsychological tests, tests of sport motor performance and physical fitness before and after 8 weeks of training and again at a 3-months follow-up. Moreover, neuroimaging will be performed at each of the three time points to investigate the training impact on brain structure and function.

Discussion

With increasing cancer survival rates, evidence-based interventions are of particular importance. New insights into training-related plasticity in the developing brain will further help to develop tailored rehabilitation programs for pediatric cancer survivors.

Trial registration

KEK BE 196/15; KEK ZH 2015–0397; ICTRP NCT02749877; date of registration: 30.11.2016; date of first participant enrolment: .18.01.2017.
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Metadata
Title
The Brainfit study: efficacy of cognitive training and exergaming in pediatric cancer survivors – a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Valentin Benzing
Noëmi Eggenberger
Janine Spitzhüttl
Valerie Siegwart
Manuela Pastore-Wapp
Claus Kiefer
Nedelina Slavova
Michael Grotzer
Theda Heinks
Mirko Schmidt
Achim Conzelmann
Maja Steinlin
Regula Everts
Kurt Leibundgut
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-017-3933-x

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